Sintered clay membranes were studied to determine their applicability for water treatment. The credibility and validity of the gel polarization model and modified mass resistances were investigated. The model of modified mass resistance took into account the variation of the resistance of concentration polarization with the concentration of the solution in the boundary layer and transmembrane pressure. It was shown that our experimental results are agreement with the model of mass resistance contrary to that of gel polarization, which was not validated. Cleaning of the membrane was also studied. Successive sequences of filtration and periodic backflushing were performed using surface water. The period of backflushing was optimised in order to recover the initial hydraulic resistance.